RCMP Use Facebook to Negotiate with Standoff Suspect

Manitoba RCMP turned to Facebook to negotiate with a suspect who barricaded himself in a residence with a firearm on February 12.

There was no phone service in the northern community of Brochet when the incident occurred, but there was Internet access.

Officers in the RCMP “D” Division Command Centre were able to make contact with the man through the social networking site, and convince him to surrender. A woman who was being held inside the home was able to flee and make it to safety.

A 37-year-old Brochet man was arrested and is facing a number of charges, including assault with a weapon, uttering threats, break and enter, and unauthorized possession of a firearm. He’s being held in custody.